iPhone 5 will have an 8-pin dock connector: Report

Rumours of the launch of the iPhone 5 have been circulating for quite a while now, and since the beginning of this year, there has been speculation that Apple will redesign the dock that they have used on past and current iOS devices. The new dock is expected to be a lot smaller than the 30-pin configuration used on existing Apple products, which include iPhones, iPods and iPads. According to a new report by iLounge, the new dock connector will have only an 8-pin configuration and not a sixteen or eighteen-pin connector, as previously believed.

8-pin dock may be used on the next iPhone

The author of the report Jeremy Horowitz states, “According to two sources, Apple’s new Dock Connector features only 8 pins, and seemingly contradicting claims of “16-pin” and “19-pin” connectors. Although the original Dock Connector contained 30 pins, reports of 16- or 19-pin connectors seemed hard to square with the port’s small size and Apple’s actual need for additional pins beyond what USB/Micro-USB offer.”

The report goes on to say that there have been no leaked parts or images of the dock connector yet. The author notes, “Both of our sources concur that there are eight pins in a line within the new Dock Connector, which may well receive a different name going forward.”

The report further adds that a source has informed them that the new connector will feature other design innovations, and will potentially include the ability to connect with docks or cables in either orientation, much like the case with the MagSafe power connector found on Apple’s Mac range of laptops.

The report states, “Given the possibility of grumbling from users regarding accessory incompatibility, it’s safe to say that Apple will attempt to pitch the new connector as superior to its predecessor in a variety of ways, and the smaller size will only be one of them. A source chimes in to confirm and explain the second detail: the male connector has 8 pins on each side, while the female connector has only 8 pins on one side. This enables the iPhone/iPod/iPad (with female port) to connect to either side of a male cable or docking plug.”

The next iPhone is expected to feature a major design overhaul, and it is said to be much bigger, measuring 58.47 mm wide, 123.83 mm high and 7.6 mm thin with a 4-inch display. As previous reports have indicated, the headphone jack will also be relocated, with it being moved from the top of the iPhone to the bottom. The website also reports that the size of the dock has been reduced drastically and is much smaller and it is similar to the size of a micro USB, this last bit would fits in line with the fact that the redesigned dock connector will not feature the traditional 30-pin configuration and instead opt for a smaller one.

Nothing is confirmed yet, and with Apple expected to unveil the next iPhone on September 12, more details will be known on or before that date.